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LMC Reaches All Time High For Visitors

December 22, 2023                                                          Volume 15

FORT SCOTT, KS – December 14, 2023 – Since its establishment in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has welcomed visitors from across the globe, representing 109 countries and all 50 states in the US. On December 14, 2023, the center achieved another significant milestone, welcoming its 14,226th visitor for the year, marking its highest annual visitor count.

Denymh Smith, a Fort Worth, Texas student attending Fort Scott Community College, was recognized as the distinguished visitor for 2023. Accompanied by members of his basketball team, DJ McDonald from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Bryce Journee from Owasso, Oklahoma, Denymh received special gifts from the Center to commemorate this important milestone for 2023. Expressing his enthusiasm for history and reading, Denymh was particularly delighted to receive a copy of “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project.” The Center thanks Denymh for his interest and congratulates him on being the 14,226th Visitor for 2023!

Visitors such as Denymh and his companions play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Center. As they delve into the stories of the featured Unsung Heroes and share their impactful contributions to the history of our country and the world, the Center continues to flourish. As interest increases, the number of projects submitted to the Discovery Award and ArtEffect competitions rise. Consequently, new Unsung Hero exhibits are consistently being added to the Lowell Milken Center’s Hall of Heroes, the Lowell Milken Park, and the Center’s website. These unsung heroes serve as inspirational role models, motivating all who learn about them to strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What A Christmas Program and Family Reunion Have In Common

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Kaden, my great-grandson, had an important role in his preschool’s Christmas program in Las Vegas last night.  He was a cow. He had asked to be a dinosaur but was given the choice of a cow, a sheep or a donkey. Along with 11 other three-year-olds, his job was to sit in a chair at the front of the stage and stand when it was his turn to sing a Christmas carol.  Upon entering the stage, he walked like a Raptor and his “moo” sounded more like a “ROAR,” so we guessed he was a cross between the two animals, more like a “cowasaur.”

Twenty preschool “angels” sat at the back of the stage.  They each had one line they were to deliver into the downstage microphone.  Directing dinosaurs would have been easier.  They, at least, returned to their seats after they spoke.  Kaden’s group, on the other hand, included a couple of runaways, a little girl who tried to put her hairbow in Kaden’s cow hat and then sat with her back to the audience, several who randomly stood and moved in the sanctuary wherever they wanted, and not a few who removed their costumes on stage (Kaden included).  Fortunately, there were clothes underneath.

 

We marveled at the patience of the adults in charge and the teenage “angels” who sat in strategic spots to try and keep the kiddies under control. An almost impossible task.

I love how God gives us all different gifts.  If you read my book, you know that working with a group of little tikes is not my thing.  I fail at it miserably.  What I appreciated about these adult workers was how they never stopped smiling, even if they had to leave their kneeling, directors’ positions in front of the kiddos to chase one of the escapees and return him (yes, him, always a him) to his assigned position on the stage.

 

We were there because this Christmas was a reunion for the LaRoche clan.  We met at Dave’s daughter’s house for six days in Henderson, Nevada, and had a blast. Every couple was responsible for a meal for 27 relatives.  There were pickleball and wallyball competitions, bike rides, guys-against-girls board games, a crazy, neighborhood, Christmas scavenger hunt, times to watch two three-year-olds and three one-year-olds learn to share and get along, and lots of visits to catch up, to spend time with loved ones. Each of our “gifts” was evident.

From organizing child car seats in vehicles (think musical chairs with car seats) to food preparation/clean-up to game/activity orchestrating to scorekeeping to entertaining babies to praying and leading a devotional, we all had a purpose. 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) reminds us of how we are to use our gifts: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.                                                                                                           

Any time a group of people are involved (albeit conducting a children’s Christmas program or a family reunion), it is paramount that individuals work together for the good of all.  Had those volunteers at Kaden’s event allowed the kids to run amok, chaos would have ensued.  Had any of our relatives sat back and expected to be catered to, they would have found themselves in a very lonely position.            And probably very, very hungry.

As it turned out, we are already discussing our next get together.  I hope the volunteers at Kaden’s program are doing likewise.  One thing’s for certain—they deserve all the prayers they can get.

Merry Christmas, All!

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on December 11

December 11, 2023                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Leroy Kruger, Teri Hulsey, Jason Silvers, Dale Griffiths, Jon Lowry, Michaela Hawthorne, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Kevin Schafer were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12/4/23. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During public comments Leroy Kruger introduced himself and stated he is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and announced his plan to run for Sheriff in 2024. Mr. Kruger stated he is a former Chief Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department and his promise for running is to lower the budget and bring peace and unity back to local government. Troy Felt spoke again of Medicaid expansion and voiced his concern of subsidizing and ER. Mr. Felt said he wants a hospital back not just and emergency room. Dale Griffiths said he is a resident of western Bourbon County and that he watches every commission meeting on YouTube and would like to talk about how constituents are treated when they have a differing opinion. Mr. Griffiths stated it comes across that our Commission treats its constituents as smaller or lower class than them when we have a differing opinion and he asked the Commission to keep that in mind in the future. Mr. Griffiths said he understands that things can get heated but just because someone is questioning what the Commission is operating on or has come up with different facts than them doesn’t mean we should belittle them.

 

Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated he is the State Senator for the 13th District. Mr. Shallenburger stated his was a banker by profession, served in the legislature in the 90s, was State Treasurer, and Mayor of Baxter Springs until he was elected in January to replace Richard Hilderbrand. Mr. Shallenburger touched on Medicaid expansion and said that will come up again in Topeka as well as tax reform at the state level. Mr. Shallenburger said the next session starts in January and that he currently sits on the Transportation Committee and recommends talking to KDOT about projects in our county and to participate in grant programs that are available at the state level. Jim asked Senator Shallenburger if he thinks the Governor will be successful with Medicaid expansion and the Senator responded that he has not seen the bill and does not know what she is proposing or what will be included in the bill. Mr. Shallenburger spoke how the delivery of healthcare has changed and does not feel that if Medicaid expansion is approved that it wouldn’t open a hospital in Fort Scott. Clifton stated he is disappointed in both sides for using the ER closing as political gain but not offering to help. Clifton said he is not talking about Senator Shallenburger and appreciates the Senator for coming but he doesn’t put a lot of faith in Topeka.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated Purple Wave was there today getting information on equipment that will be selling in the January 9th auction. Eric said there was a culvert that began to collapse last week east of 120th Street on Kansas Road. The culvert is in a flood plain so they are working with Ag Engineering to perform a hydraulic study. There are barricades up but residents are still able to get by to access their property. Eric informed the Commissioners of a solid waste compliance inspection that happened at the landfill on November 29th. There was only one violation and that was due to not notifying KDHE within their specified time frame of a fire that occurred at the compost site. Eric stated they have received the trailer for the special bridge crew. Eric said his crew would like to thank the Commission for the longevity pay and holiday dinner. Jim said to thank them for doing a good job.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, stated she wanted to let the community know that Bourbon County EMS isn’t going anywhere. There has been a lot of talk and concern in the community and Teri wanted to allay their fears. Teri said she has noticed the marquee is off at the Hospital building and is checking about getting a Bourbon County EMS sign to place along the highway. Teri said there have been a lot of questions about where they will transport patients and Teri stated they have to go to the closest appropriate facility. Teri said the ER will be closing on December 20th and they will be implementing all call. They have two trucks that are manned 24/7 and when both trucks go out, they will send out an all call which will notify employees to come into the station to be ready to provide service if additional 911 calls come in.

 

Shane Walker requested an executive session.

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 6:15. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 15-minute executive session.

 

Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:31. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:31 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin asked for permission to schedule with Rob an emergency evening meeting with the City Commission, Mr. Farmer, the possibility of City bond council, and our Commissioners.

 

Clifton made a motion to have an emergency meeting before our next regularly scheduled meeting and if the meeting happens it will consist more than likely of an executive session most likely due to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) and they will make that motion at the start of the meeting if needed. Nelson seconded the motion and added Tuesday or Wednesday night would be good for him and the other Commissioners stated they are available those nights as well. All approved the motion.

 

Nelson had no comments during the Commission comments section. Clifton said as someone who works in healthcare, he agrees with Medicaid expansion and that the fearmongering people put out isn’t backed up with facts. Clifton said if Medicaid expansion does happen, we wouldn’t have people knocking on our door to open a hospital. Clifton said that Senator Moran is introducing a bill to change the REH date to 2015 and said the Senator has listened to all the phone calls he received. Clifton thanked Senator Moran and stated he hopes they can get that passed in Washington. Jim also thanked Senator Moran for introducing the bill.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-18-2023                 Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Comments Sought

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #2 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

###

 

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

SOAP BOX DERBY MANIA IN FORT SCOTT

Suck it up Good Old Days (GOD) Committee! The kids come first in Fort Scott. Your opposition to the Derby, and unwillingness to help accommodate this worthy event at the commission meeting last night did not go unnoticed. It is actions like yours on display last night that hinder the retention of young people here. Seth Needham is going way out of his way to bring something exciting to the GOD’s, something new and something desperately needed for our town and for our kids to enjoy. Face it, GOD’s has gone from a 3-day weekend to 1 day, and the same old faces keep showing up year after year. It has grown old and stagnant!

I see the soap box derby as a way for the city and city businesses and the Chamber to get behind a worthy endeavor. These kids will be in the parade, showing off their handiwork and it will be an event for them to look back on forever, as well as bringing 200 kids and their families to our town.

Seth’s goal is to take 20 scouts to summer camp this summer and they have been working hard on fundraisers. They need to raise around $7,000 to take these kids to camp, and the Derby is one means to advertise their efforts. I can remember my days of scouting and selling boxes of candy for my camp fundraising project. I always went, but I know I did not sell enough candy to pay my way and I thank the benefactors of FS in those days for making sure I went.

My goal is to help Seth achieve his goal by supporting him and asking the community to help him as well. Unfortunately, the GOD’s is in June and Seth needs the funds before then to secure reservations. We are setting up a collection box at the Historical Society office in Memorial Hall and Ann Rawlins is in charge of it. We are asking for help and would appreciate donations be dropped off there, and let’s all get behind Seth and his Scouts of Fort Scott.

Thank you.

Pete Allen

Amazing project for all of Fort Scott, tourism, sales in all our stores, gas, lodgings and derby cars repairs. Come on Fort Scott, support our kids and give memories. See you at OFGS.

Ann Rawlins

Obituary of Dustin Wiggans

Dustin Ray Wiggans, age 46, resident of Knox City, TX formerly of Fort Scott, KS passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2023, at his home.

 

Dustin was born February 11, 1977, in Fort Scott to Jimmy and Pam Wiggans.  He graduated with the class of 1995 then immediately began eight years of service in the Navy.  Dustin was initially stationed at Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai where he trained as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  Subsequently he was stationed at Naval Air Station Fallon in Fallon, NV.  While at NAS Fallon, Dustin continued his duties as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.  After leaving the Navy, Dustin began his career in the world of agronomy, receiving a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and a master’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University.  He was currently working for the USDA in Knox City.

 

Dustin is survived by his father, Jimmy Wiggans and mother and stepfather Pam and Robert Williams; 2 sisters, Ali Wiggans (Matt) and Abi Krieger (Michael); and 2 nieces, Jocelin and Henley Rae Krieger.  He also leaves behind his girlfriend and partner, Ashley Nicole Cook; his beloved pet/sidekick, Kenni; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents Virgil and Lola Wiggans, and Jack and Pat Vender.

 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday evening December 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Cremation will follow with interment later in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

 

Obituary of Nancy Patterson

Nancy Patterson, long-time resident of Fort Scott, age 86, died on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Horton House in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Her death was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Nancy Jo Smith was born on August 1, 1937, in Lawrence, Kansas to Emmett P. and Naomi M. Anderson Smith.  She attended Pinckney Grade School, Lawrence Junior High School, and was a 1955 graduate of Lawrence High School.  Receiving the Karen Carlton Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Nancy was a 1958 graduate of St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri.

 

At the home of her parents, Nancy was married to Jerrold Clifford Patterson on December 13, 1958.  They are the parents of five daughters: Sandra Lynn, Sharon Sue, Brenda Kay, Deborah Ann, and Laura Lee.

 

The family moved from Overland Park, Kansas to Ava, Missouri in January 1971, where they were owner-operators of the Otasco store. On Thanksgiving Day of 1973, the Pattersons moved to Fort Scott.  Nancy retired from Mercy Hospital in January, 2000, with 26 years of service, most of which was spent as a surgical nurse.  She is a past president of the Mercy Auxiliary.  With a passion for genealogy, Nancy is a member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society and has researched not only the families of Anderson, Smith, Reynolds and Patterson, but also numerous Bourbon County families.  These are available in the OFGS library.

 

As a charter member of West Park Church of the Nazarene, Nancy taught adult Sunday School class and was very involved with the Nazarene World Missionary Society.  She and Cliff traveled to Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Papaua New Guinea in 1989 to observe first-hand third world medicine.  Most recently, Nancy attended the Diamond Community Church in rural Fort Scott.

 

Following Cliff’s death in early February 2019, Nancy lived at Country Place Senior Assisted Living in Fort Scott.   She moved to Horton House on September 2, 2023.

 

Survivors include:  daughters, Sharon McGaughey,  Kybruz, CA; Brenda  DeKeno (Don), Pea Ridge, AR;   Deborah Allen (Tim), Fort Scott, KS; and Laura Bonnell (Dwight), Aztec , NM.  Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Joshua McGaughey (Bethany), Placerville, CA; Joseph Allen (Mallory), Fort Scott, KS; Jessica Borba (Seth), Placerville, CA; Nathaniel McGaughey (Rebekah), Placerville, CA; Dustin DeKeno (Chris), Oklahoma City, OK; Jacob Allen (Sarah), Wichita, KS; Corbin Soliday (Rachel), Lee’s Summit, MO; Sawyer DeKeno, Tulsa, OK; Andrea Soliday, Gardner, KS; Tayler DeKeno,  Pea Ridge,  AR; Jonathan Allen, Fort Scott, KS; and Caleb Soliday, Topeka, KS.  Nancy leaves fourteen great-grandchildren, Abraham Borba, Lela Borba, Maggie Kansas McGaughey, Tayton Allen, Gus McGaughey, Kyler Allen, William Borba, Lily Borba, Avery McGaughey, Joel Soliday, Andrew (“G”) Borba, Diana Allen, Olivia Soliday, and Elijah Allen.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Cliff; her parents; daughter, Sandy (January 2010); and her only sibling, a brother, Robert E. Smith (September 2006).

 

Rev. Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, December 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to either Cross Power Agape Ministries or Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com.

 

Nancy’s family would like to note that this obituary was hand- written by Nancy. We are unsure of the date or the circumstances when she wrote it since the hand-written copy included only blanks in many places, but it was important enough to her for her to keep it tucked away in a folder. We want to honor her by publishing it but we certainly believe that she was much too modest in this account of her life.

Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for December 12

The Regular Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman

 

404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear.  Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure.  Exterior and interior work is continuing.

 

USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program.  He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM

 

Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%).  The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St.  It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners.  Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.

He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting

 

Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan.  This will be put on the January agenda under new business.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance.  Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.

 

Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party.  Historically the city donates $100.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party

 

Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription.  It has been used twice in the last three years.  Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed.  She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.

She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE.  KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory.  Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available.  She will be attending a MAP webinar in January.  Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb

She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development.  Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.

Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.

Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18.  Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock.  County rock crusher is broken down at this time.  Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side.  It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate.  Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024

 

Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed.  The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.

 

Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000.  She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module.  There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing.  All quotes are for cloud-based software.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software

 

Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found.  None can be used until we have an employee to insure.  Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM

Chamber Coffee Hosted by the City of Fort Scott On December 21

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

City of Fort Scott

Thursday, December 21st

8am

123 S. Main

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, December 21st at 8 a.m. hosted by the City of Fort Scott which will be held at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

At this week’s Coffee, the City staff will provide a recap of the year 2023, and give a preview of what is to come in 2024.

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Click here for their Facebook Page!

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701